During the fifth day of the seventh edition of the Gouna Film Festival, the cast and crew of The Ladder and the Snake reunited for the first time in o
During the fifth day of the seventh edition of the Gouna Film Festival, the cast and crew of The Ladder and the Snake reunited for the first time in over 20 years. The discussion was moderated by Andrew Mohsen, Director of Programming at the festival, and featured the film’s director Tarek El Eryan, writer and producer Mohamed Hefzy, star Hala Shiha, and composer Hisham Nazih. This special gathering followed a well-attended screening that attracted audiences across generations.
Both Hala Shiha and Tarek El Eryan emphasized that the film’s authenticity and relatability have cemented its place in the hearts of audiences for over two decades. Shiha, who played the lead role in her twenties and was relatively new to acting, recalled the challenges and dedication involved in bringing the story to life. Despite the high-quality execution by the cast and crew, the film’s box office performance was initially modest, leading to early disappointment for Hefzy and El Eryan. However, the enduring love from audiences has since turned The Ladder and the Snake into a beloved classic.
El Eryan shared insights into his directorial experience, explaining that after returning from the United States, he aimed to introduce an innovative concept with commercial appeal. Mohamed Hefzy, then a new writer, penned the screenplay in English due to his limited proficiency in Arabic. Actor Ahmed El Sakka was the first to review the script and was initially considered for a leading role.
Hefzy credited El Eryan for giving him a significant opportunity in screenwriting despite his background in engineering, a field unrelated to cinema. Hisham Nazih discussed how the film’s score marked a turning point in his career, attributing its success to El Eryan’s creative vision, including the integration of tango music, which added a distinctive flavor to the soundtrack.
The panel also covered the extensive revisions made to over 80 scenes following the Hurghada sequence to better depict Hazem’s hesitant nature. Despite being a groundbreaking project at the time, initial enthusiasm from production companies was limited. The conversation included actor Hani Salama’s decision to decline a sequel, citing his preference to not repeat a successful experience.
The film’s music, including tracks like Ana Habbeit and Eish, performed by singer Khaled Selim, continues to resonate with audiences. Nazih’s incorporation of these melodies into the score remains a highlight that fans cherish.
Sari ALbeder – Elgouna Film Festival 2024 – #GFF24
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